Apprentice Solid Waste Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,251.00 - $10,252.00 Monthly
Location : Tulare Lake Compost (Kettleman City), CA
Job Type: Open to all
Job Number: AA-182-26E
Department: Solid Waste - Operations and Engineering
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB POSTING
NOTICE OF EXTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #AA-182-26ECOMPOST ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN
This job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of August 10, 2026.
LOCATION: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS AND ENGINEERING SECTION, FIELD OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE GROUP, TULARE LAKE COMPOST FACILITY, KETTLEMAN CITY
About Tulare Lake Compost Facility (TLC): This state-of-the-art, 175-acre facility near Kettleman City in Kings County, California, uses an environmentally responsible process that combines agricultural green waste from the Central Valley with biosolids from Los Angeles County to create an optimal composting mixture. The facility can currently process up to 100,000 wet tons per year of anaerobically digested and dewatered biosolids, transforming them into valuable, nutrient-rich Class A Exceptional Quality compost. The Tulare Lake Compost Facility is owned and operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County as part of its diversified biosolids management program.
NOTES:

• The list of eligible candidates resulting from this posting may be used to fill any additional vacancies that may occur in the next twelve (12) months
• This position is a 9/80 works schedule with alternating Fridays off, potential for swing shift support
• This position may also require emergency and scheduled overtime, weekend and holiday work

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform progressively more skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation, computer process control and 21KV high voltage electrical equipment and 480vac distribution systems, and to work in conjunction with the Senior Compost Electrical and Instrumentation technician in support of the daily operations and maintenance of a composting facility.
JOB SUMMARY: The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the .
Under general supervision of the Senior Compost Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, the incumbent will:

• Assemble, install, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, digital, and analog control equipment and systems to ensure safe, accurate, and reliable plant operation.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and repair pneumatic, electronic, and computerized testing and measuring instruments to verify instrument accuracy and ensure proper system performance.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of maintenance, calibration, and repair activities to ensure accurate equipment histories and support operational decision-making.
• Read, interpret, and prepare schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, blueprints, P&IDs, loop sheets, sketches, and equipment specifications to plan, perform, and document installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Order and track parts, supplies, materials, and equipment to ensure availability of resources required for maintenance and project work.
• Instruct apprentices or lower-level staff to develop technical proficiency, safe work practices, and troubleshooting skills.
• Perform trade-related mathematical calculations to accurately size, adjust, calibrate, and verify equipment and system parameters.
• Maintain shop areas, tools, and equipment to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Drive to and inspect new construction sites and equipment installations to verify compliance with design requirements, operational standards, and safety regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license; AND
• Four (4) years of experience in the Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Apprentice classes, or equivalent, with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts performing progressively responsible installation, maintenance and repair work on instrumentation, computer process control and electrical equipment and systems

One of the following substitution options may be applied toward the experience requirement:

• Twelve (12) semester units of college coursework approved by the Districts (applicant will be required to submit transcript for review) or completion of one (1) year of a two-year degree or certification program in instrumentation, electronics or electrical technology, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience
• Completion of a two-year degree or certification program in instrumentation, electronics or electrical technology, or a closely related field for two (2) years of the required experience

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Knowledge of:

• Electrical theories and principles (e.g., AC/DC power systems, circuit protection, grounding, motor control fundamentals) and operation and characteristics of common electrical components and equipment.
• Electronic, digital, and analog control equipment (e.g., sensors, transmitters, signal conditioning devices, microprocessor-based instruments) and the principles of how these devices generate, process, and transmit signals.
• Instrumentation and process control systems, including process variables (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, level), PLCs, DCS systems, control loops, PID behavior, interlocks, alarms, and automated plant control logic.
• Mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems (e.g., actuators, valves, regulators) and the physical principles governing fluid and mechanical motion as they relate to instrumentation and electrical control.
• Plant operational systems and power-generation processes, including how electrical, instrumentation, and control components interact with major plant subsystems, and how system conditions, alarms, and protections maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and testing methods for electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control equipment, including the proper use of diagnostic tools, test instruments, and measurement devices.
• Applicable safety practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., NFPA 70/70E electrical safety, OSHA standards, arc-flash protocols, lockout/tagout procedures) and safe work practices for energized and non-energized equipment.

Ability to:

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, electronic, instrumentation, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical control systems using appropriate diagnostic tools, test instruments, technical references, and systematic problem-solving methods.
• Install, maintain, calibrate, and adjust electrical and instrumentation components (e.g., sensors, transmitters, PLC/DCS hardware, protective relays) to ensure accurate operation and system reliability.
• Interpret and prepare technical documentation (e.g., schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, loop sheets) to plan, perform, and document work activities.
• Apply trade mathematics (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, power calculations, instrumentation scaling, unit conversions, and tolerances) to perform accurate measurements, calibrations, and equipment adjustments.
• Use specialized tools and equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggers, loop calibrators, signal simulators, pneumatic testers, computerized diagnostic systems) safely and effectively.
• Perform complex maintenance and operational assignments independently in compliance with safety standards, operating procedures, and equipment requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise documentation used for compliance, maintenance planning, and operational decision-making.
• Provide guidance and instruction to apprentices or less experienced staff, demonstrating proper techniques, safe work practices, equipment use, and troubleshooting methods.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 30% and an interview weighted at 70%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of August 10, 2026.

Please apply online at within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add to your contact list.
NOTES:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.
To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video:
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at
As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.
RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered "classic" members. For "classic" members, the Districts pay the "employee share." Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION
Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.
HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2026, the Districts contribute $2,417.99 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. Employees can choose from prepaid and indemnity dental plans. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage. The indemnity dental plan will has an annual in network maximum of $1,750, and an out of network maximum of $1,000.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE: Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.
STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career cont